Mercer took the Ledger's words seriously enough to carve out an entire evening for Wren, canceling two minor council obligations to simply sit with his oldest friend over dinner, no agenda beyond genuine conversation. Wren seemed surprised at first, then gradually relaxed into something closer to their old, easy rhythm.
"This is nice," Wren admitted, partway through the meal. "I didn't realize how much I missed just talking, without either of us watching the clock for the next obligation."
"I didn't either, honestly." Mercer studied his friend carefully. "I meant what I asked before. Is something troubling you, beyond simply feeling distant from me."
Wren hesitated, something crossing his expression that Mercer couldn't quite identify. "The tannery's doing well," he said finally. "Bette
